More Kings Highway delays as work begins on Nelligen Bridge

An artist’s impression of the new Nelligen Bridge. Image: Supplied.

Motorists travelling between the NSW South Coast and Canberra are advised to expect delays as work begins on the new $148 million Nelligen Bridge.

Traffic control will be in place for the safety of workers and road users, and the Kings Highway speed limit will be reduced to 60km/h from Old Nelligen Road in the east to Reid Street in the west.

Work began on Monday, 22 February, and will take place between 7 am and 6 pm on weekdays, and 8 am and 1 pm on Saturdays, for several weeks to prepare for major construction of the new bridge.

This includes building site office compounds and storage areas, and the installation of temporary fencing and survey work.

Other work occurring during this period will include cutting and filling soft soil areas, installing ground improvement piles at the eastern approach to the new bridge, and building a temporary jetty and rock platform to facilitate river access for construction equipment.

The new 330-metre bridge will be built upstream of the existing bridge over the Clyde River at Nelligen.

Once completed, it will improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists crossing Clyde River with an improved curve on the eastern side of the bridge, wider lanes and shoulders, and safety barriers between the road and footpath.

Member for Bega Andrew Constance said the new bridge will have a 100-year lifespan.

It is expected to be open to traffic by late 2023.

Work to remove the existing bridge will be carried out once the new bridge is completed and open to traffic.